Herndon man wanted after missing court date in fentanyl, firearms case
A Herndon man is wanted after failing to appear in court following his arrest in an undercover Fairfax County police investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 2,000 suspected fentanyl pills and a firearm equipped with an auto sear and extended magazine.
Detectives with the Violent Crimes Suppression Unit began investigating suspected narcotics and firearms distribution on Oct. 5. During the investigation, detectives identified Alhaji Sorie Kamara, 19, of Herndon, who allegedly agreed to exchange 50 suspected fentanyl pills for a firearm with an undercover detective.
Investigators arranged the transaction in Chantilly on Oct. 10. When Kamara arrived, officers attempted to take him into custody. Police said he tried to flee in his vehicle but was quickly apprehended.
A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately 2,000 suspected fentanyl pills and a firearm equipped with an extended magazine and an auto sear, a device that can convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon.
Kamara was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I/II narcotics, possession of a firearm while distributing Schedule I/II narcotics, possession of an auto sear and carrying a loaded firearm in certain localities. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, held on a $5,000 secured bond, and subsequently released on bail.
Kamara failed to appear for his Oct. 16 arraignment, and a judge subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest. He has another arraignment hearing scheduled for Jan. 19.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau at 703-246-7800.
Abandoned building fire draws two alarms in Reston
Fairfax County firefighters brought a two-alarm fire at an abandoned building in Reston under control late Oct. 18, with no reported injuries.
Fire crews responded at approximately 11:28 p.m. to the area of Hunter Mill Road and Sunset Hills Road and arrived to find fire showing throughout the structure. The fire was upgraded to a two-alarm response.
The blaze was brought under control, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Fire investigators remained at the scene to determine the cause of the fire.
Drug Take Back Day set for Oct. 24
Fairfax County residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during National Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 24.
The Fairfax County Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will host medication drop-off events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at multiple locations throughout the county.
Officials say the event helps reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, prescription drug misuse and addiction, particularly involving opioid medications. Proper disposal also helps protect the environment by preventing medications from entering local waterways through improper disposal methods such as flushing or throwing them in the trash.
Residents may bring prescription and over-the-counter pills, prescription ointments, pet medications, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, as well as small liquid packs or pods used in vaping devices. Illegal drugs, needles, syringes, pressurized canisters such as inhalers and aerosol cans, large quantities of liquids, and nonprescription ointments or lotions will not be accepted.
Drop-off locations include the Fair Oaks, Franconia, Mount Vernon, Sully and West Springfield district police stations; Goodwin House in Bailey's Crossroads; Reston Hospital Center; the Town of Vienna Police Department; and Tysons Emergency.
Police encourage residents to check medicine cabinets for expired or unused medications, remove personal information from prescription labels and packaging, and bring accepted items for disposal. Officials remind participants that needles, syringes and aerosol containers will not be accepted.
The event is part of a nationwide effort to prevent prescription drug abuse and keep unused medications out of the wrong hands while providing a safe and environmentally responsible disposal option.
County to test 20 mph speed limits on select roads
Fairfax County will reduce speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on 10 roads in the Dranesville, Mason and Providence districts beginning this fall as part of a pilot program aimed at improving roadway safety.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is conducting the study to evaluate how lower speed limits affect the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists. County officials said the pilot roads were selected in coordination with Board of Supervisors district offices after considering factors such as pedestrian activity, sidewalks, marked crosswalks, transit stops, nearby schools and community facilities, and the county's Vulnerability Index. Resident feedback was also considered during the selection process.
In the Dranesville District, lower speed limits will be implemented on Douglass Drive between Georgetown Pike and Baron Road, on Baron Road between Randolph Road and Ingleside Avenue, and on Ingleside Avenue between Baron Road and Dolley Madison Boulevard (Route 123).
The Mason District pilot area includes Patrick Henry Drive between Leesburg Pike and Beachway Drive; Peace Valley Lane west of Justice High School; Beachway Drive between Patrick Henry Drive and Nevius Street; Nevius Street between Leesburg Pike and Beachway Drive; and a segment of Blair Road between Beachway Drive and Glen Carlyn Drive.
In the Providence District, the pilot will include Flagpole Lane between White Granite Drive and Borge Street and Bushman Drive between Borge Street and Blake Lane.
The program follows legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly in May 2024 that authorized local governments to lower speed limits on roads in residential and business districts where the posted speed limit is 25 mph. The law allows jurisdictions to implement slower speeds in targeted areas to improve safety for all roadway users.
County transportation officials said the initial pilot zones will be installed this fall. After the first three district pilot areas are in place, staff will work with remaining Board of Supervisors offices to expand the study to additional districts.
Herndon man charged after foot chase, firearms seized
A Herndon man was arrested after allegedly fleeing from detectives during a traffic stop and was found carrying two loaded firearms, Fairfax County police said.
Detectives with the Violent Crime Suppression Unit stopped a vehicle for speeding at about 11:12 p.m. Oct. 12 near Centreville Road and Frying Pan Road in the Fair Oaks District. Police said the 17-year-old driver pulled over, but passenger Jefry Bonilla Serrano, 18, of Herndon, fled from the vehicle on foot.
After a brief pursuit, detectives took Serrano into custody and recovered two loaded firearms from his waistband. He sustained minor injuries during the incident but declined transportation to a hospital.
Serrano was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and obstruction. He was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was held on a $2,000 secured bond before being released on bail.
An adjudicatory hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8.
The 17-year-old driver was issued a summons for driving without an operator's license.
Off-Duty Fairfax Officer Charged in Domestic Assault Case
An off-duty Fairfax County police officer was arrested Oct. 15 and charged with three counts of assault and battery of a family or household member following a domestic violence investigation in McLean.
Officers responded at approximately 9 p.m. to the 1600 block of Sunstone Drive after receiving a report of a domestic assault. The victim told officers she was assaulted following a verbal argument. During the investigation, police uncovered additional allegations of assault.
Police ar